#Japan #Tokyo #Onihei Hanbakatto #Matsumoto Koichiro #Jidaigeki

The First Onihei Hanbakatto Festival: A Celebration of Samurai Drama

On June 1st, the first-ever Onihei Hanbakatto Festival took place at the Iino Hall in Tokyo, organized by Nippon Eiga Hoso Co., Ltd. This thrilling event celebrated the renowned samurai drama series based on the works of the legendary writer, Masataro Ikebana, with a focus on the latest installment, "Onihei: Dark Sword of White Plum." Headlined by the esteemed actor Matsumoto Koichiro, the festival attracted a full house eager for an exclusive experience.

The festival kicked off with a special premiere screening of the sixth installment. Following the viewing, an Onihei after-talk about "Dark Sword of White Plum" unfolded, featuring not only the lead actor Karazawa Heizo (Matsumoto Koichiro) but also regular cast members including Motomiya Yasuki, Asari Yousei, and Yamada Junsei. To add to the allure, special guests such as Makita Sports, who played the role of Hikonichi, and Hayato Saotome, appearing as Kaneko Hanshiro, added excitement to the discussion.

The energy in the room was electrifying, amplified by the audience's ecstatic response as tickets sold out in just three minutes. Matsumoto expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you all for joining us at the inaugural Onihei Festival! It has been a wonderful experience to connect with so many fans."

Memories from filming the series were shared, with the cast reminiscing about the spirited camaraderie between team members that created a school-like atmosphere during shooting. They revealed behind-the-scenes stories that covered everything from dramatic fight sequences to the intricacies of props utilized in the series, all the while maintaining a cohesive and engaging dialogue.

Hayato Saotome reflected on his long-standing aspiration to collaborate with Matsumoto, stating, "This was a dream come true for me after 20 years... being able to oppose Matsumoto’s character was an incredible journey." Attendees could feel the excitement in the atmosphere, especially with Makita praising the elegance and artistry of the fight scenes between the two stars.

Alongside the cinematic discussions, the festival also featured an exciting lottery where attendees could win signed merchandise from the cast, further elevating the celebratory vibe. Matsumoto concluded the event with a promise to keep creating exceptional samurai dramas, reiterating, "We will continue to produce great works in the Onihei series!"

In terms of upcoming broadcasts, Onihei: Dark Sword of White Plum is set to premiere on July 5th at 1 PM exclusively on the Samurai Drama Channel. Following its main broadcast, the recorded after-talk will be available for fans, further enriching their viewing experience.

Festival Highlights

The event was not just an exhibition of film and dialogue but also showcased original merchandise, with various sponsors setting up booths. Fans had the chance to purchase exclusive items while also getting a glimpse of the collectible merchandise available during the event. Notably, this merchandise will also be on sale during the July Grand Kabuki performances at GINZA KABUKIZA.

This fan event marks the beginning of a broader media mix expansion for the Onihei series. Fans can soon look forward to TV adaptations, kabuki performances, radio broadcasts, and stage readings captivating audiences across multiple platforms.

Upcoming Events to Watch

• - July Grand Kabuki: Matsumoto Koichiro stars in Onihei: Blood Duel at the Kabukiza Theater from July 5th to 26th.
• - Audio Readings: An exciting musical reading performance will be held on June 21st.
• - Onihei Radio: Featuring Matsumoto and guests, will air on July 2nd.

With international recognition and potential for wider release, including appearances at film festivals and online streaming platforms, the legacy of Onihei continues to draw in viewers. Stay tuned for more exciting developments from this iconic samurai saga!